Sofa bed



July 7, 1953 R. c. READ Erm. 2,644,169

som BED Filed Aug. 4, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 rraP/VE Y July 7, 1953 R. c. READ Erm. 2,644,169

4sor'A BED 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 4. 1947 M, W i Mh/M A B July 7, 1953 R. c. READ Erm. v 2,644,169

sox-"A BED Filed Aug. 4, 1947 3 sheets-sheet :s

y y '/f iw l v F75# 52 i l v MI l IN VEN TORS 065,97' C. ,540

Patented July 7, 1953 OFFICE SOFA BED Robert Read, Weston, and Frank J. Gregor, Wilton, Conn.

Application Augustl 4, 1947, Serial No. 766,074

1 This invention relates to a sofa bed, and relates more particularly to an improved article of furniture which will serve as a comfortable sofa for daytime use a which can be quickly and easily converted into either a single or double-decker bed.

' An important object of the invention is to prord vide a combined sofa and bed wherein means are provided for positioning the cushion members so as to greatly facilitate the making up of the beds. rlhe cushion element serving as the seat for the sofa and the lower berth for the bed is downn wardly inclined toward the rear for comfort when it is used as a seat, and is soarranged as to be moved forwardly from the normal position to a vertical position with its rear edge uppermost. The sheets and blankets can then be easily draped over this edge. l

This eliminates the objection to most day beds or to beds positioned against walls, namely, that persons. making up such beds for night use are equired to bend over uncomfortably and lift the rear of the mattresses to tuck in the bed clothes.

This type of lifting is also considered dangerous yfor females and, consequently, its elimination will be of great value to those employing this class of help.

After placing the bed clothes, the cushion element is then tipped downwardly and moved rearwardly toits horizontal'night position. The other cushion element forming the back rest, which is normally rearwardly inclined at its upper edge for ease in daytime sitting, is arranged to be moved rearwardly and upwardly out of the way when no upper berth is required. If it is required, however, the bed clothes may easily be placed over the back, while still in a vertical position. The lower edge is then readily moved outwardly until the surface or the cushion element is disposed at an angle of about 45, and a'novel screw arrangement is'then employed for bringing ity upwardly .to horizontal iposition with its outer edge disposed somewhat inwardly of the outer fedge of the lower, at which time the bed clothes are tucked into the front of the bed. Here, again,

there is no straining to lift mattresses, etc., in.

be interchanged as well, in order to allow uniform Wear.

A further object of thev invention is to provide novel means for permitting the lower cushionvelement to be moved inwardly and outwardly with- 4 claims.

out binding. This feature ofthe invention includes a shaft journalledfor rotative movement in the frame. Pinions are keyed adjacent opposite ends of the shaft, such pinions being en.

gaged by racks disposed transversely on the lower surface of the cushion frame. Thus,`t`he cushion element can be pushed or pulled at either end thereof without any binding action.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved convertible bed of the character described, wherein vnovel means are provided for supporting'the upper berth when in horizontal position.` Thesevmeans include a crank arrangement employed for raising the cushion element to horizontal position, such means being associated withone end of the cushion element, and a 'ladder associated with the opposite end which affords the necessary support for such opposite end and 'also prevents outward movement of the lower cushion element. Also, the upper end of the ladder provides a guard which'keeps the occupant from falling out of the upper berth. A wing member at one end ofthe bed is arranged to move upwardlylwith the upper berth, and forms a head for the upper berthvto prevent the pillow from falling 01T.

A further improvement resides inthe provision V.of the novel means for mounting of the lower cushion element. A xed frame supports such lower cushionelement in a rearwardly-inclined positionwhen used for sitting. When used for sleeping purposes, however, rearward. movement of this frame, after the cushion element has been made up into a bed and engaging elements have 1 been properly positioned, actuates a linkage structure which -moves the frame'and cushion element intoa horizontal position, and, at the same time, moves thevpanel which supports the rear cushion element to a rearward position so that substantially the fullk width of the lower mattress may however, this cushion element, when raised to horizontal position, moves its maximum distance rearwardly until its front wall is flush with the front of the frame.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 is an end elevation of one embodiment of th'epresent invention.'

Fig. V42 isgsimilar to Fig. l, but shows the lower y cushion elementmoved outwardly from its normal position and in vertical position for applying the bed clothes f Fig.l 3 is a front elevation of the convertible Fig. 7 is a broken section showing the upper- 5 cushion element in raised position prior to moving the same to horizontal position.

Fig. 8 is a section taken on. line 8 8 'of'V Fig.- 3.

Fig- 9 is a broken section taken on line 99- of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a broken section taken on line III-IU of Fig. 8.

Fig. ll is a broken section taken on line I I-I I of Fig. 8

Fig. l? is a broken rear elevation of the lower cushion element in the vertical position it occupies in Fig. 2.

Fig. 13 is a broken perspective view of a portion of the device.

They convertible sofa of the present invention is,

' provided with two elongated cushion elements Ill and II which may be of identical construction and dimensions, one serving asr the seat and the other serving asA the ,backrest when the structure is employed for daytime use. The cushion elements may be formedrlike usual innerspring mattresses which are mounted on aiframe 9/to give the cushion element anapproved measure of rigidity. The supporting means for both cushion elements is such as, to permit each to be ing having a base I2', and a front wall I3 whichA is outwardly curved at its upperA end, as shown at I4, such portion forminga longitudinal support for the front of the lower cushionV element I whether the latter is employedas a seat (Fig. 4) or as a bed (Fig. This outward flare of the front wall .permits ample heel room for the person sitting on the lower cushion element. The housing further includes a rear wall I5 and end walls I3 and Il, the latter having arm rests I8 and I9.. respectively, at vtheir upper ends.; Superimposed upon the arm rests I8 and I9, at the rear thereof, are wings 23 and 24, the latter one being xedl secured adjacent the ends of the cushion elements at 21. These arms travel in sleeves 28 which are mounted on plates 29, which, in turn, are pivotal- 1y mounted on pins 3| secured to end walls IS and I7. On the lower surface of each arm 26 is a rack provided with teeth 34. The rack may be a separate member, or it may 'be formed integrally with the arm. Teeth 34 engage pinions 32 which are4 keyed ad'ja-cent'opposite ends of shaft 30. The terminalsof this shaft are journalled in plates 29, and the shaft thus moves 'when the plates move.

When cushion element I0 is pulled outwardly, arms 26 travel in sleeves 28, and the movement of teeth 313 of the racks produces rotation in the pinion-s and `accordingly in the shaft 30. Thus, it will be apparent that the cushion element I0 may be pushed inwardly and outwardly by grasping thesame at either end thereof, and there will be no binding eirect. It was earlier pointed out that this arrangement may be also employed in connection with bureau drawers, sliding panels, or other members which are arranged toy move back an-d forth.

When it is desired to make up the lower cushion element IB into a bed, it may be first'drawn outwardly to its maximum position, such movement being limited` by means of stops adjacent the inner terminals of arms 26. When in this outermost position the cushiony element I0 may Y be tilted downwardly to occupy the vertical posiin the position illustrated and the former being arranged to rise with the back cushion-element when the latter, is raised to serve.: as an upper berth, as will be described more in detail.

When lower cushion element I0 is used as a seat, it is supported at opposite endsfthereof. on

frame members or cleats 251securedontheinner surfaces of end walls I6 and Il. V It willlbenoted that the upper surfaces of these-frame, members are downwardly inclined` rearwardly: to afford' a maximum measure of comortwherr one is tion shown in Fig. 2. Sheets and blankets may then be placed over the now upper edge` 36 and draped downwardly over the front.

If lower cushion element IU, after being madeY up as a bed, is tilted from its position of Fig. 2y to a substantially horizontaly position and then moved rearwardly, it returns to its inclined position of Fig. 1. If, however, it is desired to cause it to assu-me a horizontal, sleeping position, pushrods 31 (Fig. 12) are moved outwardly. These push rods are mounted on the lower surface of cushion element Il! adjacent the rear edge there.- of. The extent of movement of these push rods is limited by means of headed pins 38 which pass through slots 39 in the push rods. The inner terminals of such push rods are pivoted at G' eccentrically of circular plate IHl rotatably mounted at 42 on the lower surface of the cushion element. Thus, both o1 these push rods move conjointly inwardly and outwardly. At their outer terminals these push rods are provided with downwardly-proj ecting' fingers 43 A lbracket 4,1. is pivotally mounted at 48 on each of end walls I6 and Il. This bracket may be formed from sheet metal and normally occupies the position. shown in Fig. 4. When, however, fingers i3 associated with push-rods 3l have been moved to extended position, these fingers engage rearward ears *49 associated with the upper ends of brackets lll.V Thus, rearward movement of cushionv element l) causes fingers 4:3 to engage such rearward ears 139 and move the upper end of.v bracket lil rearwardly and upwardly to a position wherein it is past vertical center, as shown in Figs. 5 and 8. .This movement likewise causes the rear edge of cushionelemjent Iand its frame 9 to be raised sothat` the entire cushion element is now on a horizontal plane. Conversely, upon forward movement of cushion element t0, fingers 43 engage forward ears 50 associated with brackets 4l'y and move the bracket forwardly to the' position of Fig. 4. Y

Frame 9, which supports back cushion element II, is pivotally mounted, as at 5I.. on. a panelzigf which extends .the full length of the structure. When the lower only isto be used and-it is desired to move lower cushion element I .rearwardly to sleeping position, itis also desired to ymove back cushion element I I rearwardly asuflcient distance to enable-theuser to occupy subthe structure are pivoted attheir. lower ends at 58 on brackets vlI1. The opposite ends of links 51 are pivoted at59 substantiallyv midwaybetween the ends of levers Ii. which are pivotally secured at their lower ends, as at 6I, to end walls .I6 and I1. The upper end of each lever 60 is pivotally secured, as at 62, to the ends of panel 52. f-"Thus, Vit will befappreciated that upward movement of brackets 41 .fromfthe position of Fig. 4 to that of Fig. 5 is also accompanied by such upward and rearward movement of panel 52 andv back cushion-element, II. During such upward and rearward movement of panel 52, it is guided by meansof 'pins 5d in slots 55, and when the panel has-reached its upward position, pins 55 `are at the lower Yendsof slots 55.

In the event that only the lower cushion element is being used atY theinstant, the convertible bed is now ready for use. ever, that it is also desired to makeup the upper berth, the following means; are employed for raising the upper berthto elevated position.

A lead screw 65 is journalled lfor rotative movement in bearings E6 on therear of panel 52.-This screw is arranged to be rotated byA means of a crank51 disposed within an vopening B8'in end wall I1. If desired, of coursethis crankcould be placed at the front of the sofa, and suitable in'- termediate gearing provided. Also, the shaft may be arranged to vbe rotated by `means of a motor. Opening 5B may be arranged to be closed by any suitable closure (not shown). No particular eiort is required to move back-cushion element II from its position of Fig.A l to that of Fig. 6 wherein such cushion element is disposed at an angle of substantially 45. From thereon, however, to its upper position of Fig. 7, it is raised by means of the lead screw arrangement. Moreover, this movement from its generally vertical position to its 45 position of Fig. 6 is aided by means of springs 1i). One end of each spring is secured, as at 1I, to panel 52, and the other end secured to a plate 12 mounted on a collar'13.

Lead screw 55 is formed with threads 14 which terminate at point 15, the remaining portion of the shaft beingunthreaded, as shown at 16. An

I n the event, howelevating .the cushion element ,;I .I. i

Fig. 6, -such movement Abeing. aided by .springs 1U', itis drawnforwardly at Vitslower end,` and such forward movement also permits sleeve 13 to engage collar 8 0 and move the same to thefright, when viewed as in Fig.3,'.until such ycollarengages the threads of leadscrew |55..r vSp'rings continue tourge .collar 80 into engagementpwith these threads. Accordingly, ,when the leadscrew is. rotated, as by means ofcrankfBL the threads of. the lead screw engage the internal threadsgin collar 8B, thus moving the same, to the right. and

When.- the screw hasbeen rotatedztoa that kcollares occupies ,thefposincmV snail/,1a.l in

Fig;n 3, upper cushion element IJ., occupies the o .position `shown in Fig. '7, and lower-cushion ele.-

internally-threaded collar 8l)v is carried on the y threaded portion 1li of this shaft. A sleeve BI is pivotally mounted, as at 82, on such collar, and Y within this sleeve -a rod 83 is carried, such rod having a pivoted or universal connection '84 with the lower surface of one end of' upper cushion element II.

When upper cushion element II is in the position of Figs. l, 4 and 5, the threaded collar 80 occupies a position to the left of the terminal 15 of the threads on lead screw 65, when viewed as in Fig. 3. When it is desired to move the rear cushion element II to the inclined position of '65 element Io.

While one fform` or embodiment-kofv the tion has been shown and described rherein -for mentl I0 isthen moved rearwardly, such .movement causing bracket 41 to move rearwardly and accordingly raise thelower cushiongfelementto the horizontal positionshown in Fig.` 8.` `This movement furthercauses links 51 and 6l) to move panel 52 toits rearward, v4elevated position, thus also raising the rear edge of upper` cushion element IItoits horizontal position.- Rod 8-3 is extensible' with reference to sleeve 5I to adjust, if eventually necessary, the height ,ofV the, front edge of upper cushionelementnII y wheniiinfits horizontal position...4 x ,15.

It will be seen that eiectivesupportis afforded for one. end of the upper berth.A ,In abed, of this character a ladder is, of coursean essentialelement, and such ladder 86 is employed to effectively Ysupport the Opposite end of upper, cushion element I I. The ladder has a lowereXtension 88 which is received within a recess 81Min portion I4 of the front wall I3. The ladder alsov has an inner extension 89 at its upper end which is,l received within a recess on,thelower,surface of ,the vframe S of upper cushion `element lI.' y The raised in order to permitinner `extension 88-to Y slide into recess 81.

It will be noted that there is,considera-ble,'area` within the lower portion of the housing, which is of ample size to receive theladder during vdaytime use. This area mayY also serve toreceive blankets, sheets and pillows. This area mayI alsol be used for the storage of luggage, which is particularly convenient for Steamship use. Access to this area may be achieved by moving the lower cushion elementto the position Yof Fig, v2,`or,its forward edge maybe raised upwardly from its yposition of Fig. 1.- After the upperhberthrha's been moved to the `position of Fig.3,. thefront wall `of panel 52.anol the. mechanisrnnshown in Fig. 3 may be coveredrby'meansoffa ysuitable flap (not shown) secured at its upper end,to the. rear edge of upper cu'shionelementnl I, and at its lower end to the rearfedgelof lower cushion illustrative purposes, and the construction and arrangement incidental to a specific application thereof have been disclosed and discussed in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is limited neither to the mere details or relative arrangement of parts, nor to its specic embodiment shown herein, but that extensive devia-v amare@ j-theifarms, a'sh'aft journall'ed at its terminals on vsaid '.pivoted plates and loeing. provided with pin'- Y xionskeyed :thereto which engage. said rack. teeth, andfbracketspivotallyfmounted on thefbase frame aud `loeing normally forwardly inclined, 'releasfable V'means Y`onfthe cushion which connect the i'cushion with the upperends of 'the brackets and fmove ithemrearwa'rdlyf to afgenerally 'uprightfposition 'on rearward nriovement of the v'cushion 4to `Inlove fsaidlcu'shion into a 'horizontal position Afor 'night-time usda back-cushion, a flat support therefor, afpivotal vconnection Abetween fthe fsupportland the cushion at their upper ends, va verftical fpin'iaiideslot 'connection between tht-:iframe and the flat support at its upperend, levers piv lotally incur'itei ron 'the base ff-ra'me at one `end thereof @and lpivota'lly connected 'with the flat support a't'-the other Iend, links connecting the 'brackets with th'e intermediate sections of -the levers soV to `move 'fthe 'lower end of 'the ilat support upwardly Aand vrearwardly upon rearward lnvement bf the -lracketa Va lead screw lLiourn'alle'el horizontally -in fthe base frame, a

'threaded Ycollar carried onthe lead screw and being #movable Ythereon as the screw is rotated.

'and an armlcon'nectingthe-collar and backcu'sh- I ion't'o 'raise-'and'lower the latter as the screw is 'rotatedfi'n the proper direction respectively.

2. A sofa-bedfconipr-ising a seat cushion, 'a base frame provided withfmeans slidably 'supporting said `lsf-Salt cushion thereon with its front edge l-iigh'er than itslreared'ge lfor day-'time use, arms "lpiv'o'tally "secured lto the cushionand extending rearwardly'therefroin, plates pivoted on the base frame and formed with sleeves which slidably iijeceive'portion'sv-of -the arms, and brackets pivotfally mounted 'on the base'frame and being nor# 1inally forwardly inclined, releasable means on fthe 'cushioniwhich `connect the cushion with the 'uppi'-1endsof the brackets 'and move them rearwardly to fa generally upright position on 'rear- Wai-d movement of the cushion to move vsaid 'cushion lint'o'a -horizont'alposition for night-time 'us'e, 'aback cushion, 'a a't support therefor, va

'fpivotalfco'nnectin between the support vandthe v`cushion attlieir upper ends, means connecting `4Vtlievfranie with the upper 'end vof the fiat support ,Y

Iiand`-whichallcws'vertical movement of the Vvlatter frelat'ng to the former, levers pivotally-rnounted 'fon lthe basel-frameat one `'end thereof and pivotfally connected '-withthe flat-'support at the'other Jend, connecting the lbrackets Vwith the iii-'- l termediate sections of the levers so a`s to lmo've the lower end'o'f'th'e 'flat support upwardly-and 'rearwardly "upon rearward Invem'e'nt -of *the brackets, and an arm connecting the frame and Ethe 4 back cushion to support the latter in hori- Azontal `positionfor night-time use.

3. Asofa--bed comprising a seat cushioma base frame having forwardly inclined portions on which said seat cushion is slidably supported for Y V.ward movement 'of 4the cushion to move said cushion into a horizontal position for night-time rusata-back'cushion and a support therefor, means slidably and .pivotally connecting the Lupper Aend of the support with `the frame, levers pivotally mounted on the hasev frameat one end thereof and pivotally connected with the :support at the otherfen'd, links connecting the brackets with the 'intermediate sections of thev levers so as to move the lower endlof lthe supportupwardly and rearwardly .upon rearwardV movement of thebrackets.

4. A sofa-bed comprising a'se'at cushion, a base frame having forwardly inclined .portions on whichsaidseat cushion is slidably supported'for forward and rearward movement, arms lpivot'- vally secured to the cushion and extending rearwardlyitherefrom, said arms being provided with rack vteeth on their lower edges, platespivoted on the -base frame and formed with sleeves .which slidably receive portions of lthe arms, a shaft journalledA at its terminals on said .pivotedt plates and being provided with pinions Vkeyed thereto t'ajlly mhtedibnthe'fbase frame-'and being Inorlmally-fiirwardly inclined, Vreleasalole `means on the v'cushion which connect the-'cushion with the upperiends' of l'theliraelrets andi-move them rear'- wardly 1xto a 'genera-lly' upright position yontrearward-movementcf thecushioh .to movesaidcushh ionihto aslfior'z'ontal'pos'ition for night-time use, 'a back v cushion s'lidablyffand pivotally connected 4to 'the yupper `end off'fthe frame, links `connecting tifebrackets with fthe flower ends of 'the `taci: 'cushionso-as to move said lowerend `rearward- 'ly upon-rearward movementff the ibrackets.

- l HUBERT c. READ.

`J. GREGOR.

R*ferences Citedfin the iile of this patent 

